The word Ogoh-ogohin Balinese means something that is shaken. Ogoh-ogoh is a sculpture artwork in Balinese culture that represents Bhuta Kala’s personality. In the Hindu Dharma philosophy, Bhuta Kala represents the power Bhu (the universe) and time Kala (immeasurable and undeniable). In the embodiment of the statue, Bhuta Kala is described as a large and frightening figure, usually in the form of Rakshasa (giant). The ogoh-ogoh parade in Bali is a part of the annual “cleansing ceremony” (Pengerupukan) celebration, which is held the day before Nyepi, the Hindu New Year, or Nyepi Day.

This year, Montessori School Bali students made their own ogoh-ogoh. It took about two weeks to complete this project which included the planning, making, and also the parade. This project is a part of Indonesian studies which introduces Balinese traditions to the students. They learned more about the philosophy, function, ogoh-ogoh fabrication, and the parade. This project also provided an opportunity for students to express their creativity which was seen in their interpretation of their ogoh-ogoh.

We used environmentally friendly materials for the ogoh-ogoh such as bamboo and ental (dried palm leaves) for the frame of the body and to cover it we used recycled paper that was found around the school. To make it more attractive, the students painted the ogoh-ogoh with different colors, put on masks, dressed it up with beautiful fabric and added accessories, such as crown, udeng, bracelets, and necklaces.

The parade happened one day before the Pengerupukan Day. The students paraded the ogoh-ogoh around the school and along the road to Tibubeneng park. We also used some traditional Balinese music instruments to accompany the ogoh-ogoh parade, such as kulkul, gamelan, kendang, and angklung.